PENNYROYAL

PENNYROYAL

Mentha pulegium

Pennyroyal is a small plant of the mint family. The leaves when brushed or dried and crushed give off a very strong aroma similar to spearmint but stronger and more astringent. It is used to keep rats, mice fleas, moths and other pests at bay. This herb was once used widely for medicinal purposes but nowadays this has gone out of fashion because it is so strong that it can be quite dangerous. The use as a bathwash for pets to kill fleas can endanger the life of the pet even at low concentrations. The main commercial use of this herb now is for its use in aromatherapy. It is very easy to grow from seed and needs only a light tilling of the soil and broadcating of seed.

Keep the soil moist as it really does like damp soil. Start seedlings in a tray indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in spring.  When large enough to transplant into the garden thin plants to 30 cm between rows and 15cm between plants. The flowers are an attractive blueish purple in colour. Plant out after the last frost has passed in Temperate areas and anytime in Tropical and Subtropical areas if adequate moisture levels can be assured.

QTY 600 seeds